Virgin Media has announced that it is boosting the speed of its fibre optic broadband, 19 times faster than regular broadband, Digital Spy said.

The internet service provider is increasing its top speed to 152Mb, meaning customers will be able to download an entire TV show in just one minute.

The company is increasing its entry-level service speed from 30Mb to 50Mb - making it five times faster than its rivals - while customers with 60Mb will get 100Mb and those with 120Mb will get the maximum 152Mb speed.

Virgin Media is aiming to introduce the boost to existing customers over the next 12 months.

"We're supercharging our incredible network to ensure that Virgin Media customers can make the most of the online world," CEO Tom Mockridge said.

Virgin Media has also unveiled new parental control technology Web Safe, which allows the account holder to restrict access to potentially age-inappropriate websites.

The free technology works across all devices connected to the family's home internet service and is now available to all Virgin Media broadband customers.